Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company Latest Company to Be Highlighted to Millennial Consumers

New York, NY; April 4, 2018 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund, through its Diamonds Do Good nomenclature, launched a profile of Okavango Diamond Company’s Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (ODC-YEP) on DiamondsDoGood.com.

The Programme is designed to expose youth in Botswana to the diamond value chain and provide formal entrepreneurship training to assist them in exploring and developing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

“Entrepreneurship has been identified as part of a number of solutions to address unemployment in Botswana,” says ODC’s Managing Director Marcus Ter Haar, and a board member of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, “It is important for us as stakeholders in the Industry to do all in our power to ensure the success of the country in which we do business and the people that live there.”

The story will be targeted to millennials through the social media based Diamonds Do Good Initiative.

Research shows 75% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase a diamond after reading positive stories about how the industry gives back. “Putting forward a positive narrative surrounding diamonds is essential,” says D.E.F president and GIA senior vice president Anna Martin. “Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.”

More examples of how the industry gives back will be highlighted at this year’s Diamonds Do Good Gala in Las Vegas on May 31st with honorees Bruce Cleaver, CEO De Beers, and Canada’s Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Cleaver is being recognized for De Beers work in accelerating women’s professional advancement and GNWT is being recognized for their responsible diamond mining practices which ensures a sustainable future for the indigenous tribes and wildlife that surround the mining operations.

For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships for the Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, please visit diamondsdogoodawards.org

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City inspired by Nelson Mandela and founded by leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world. Its beneficiaries include: the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; The Graca Machel Mandela Foundation that supports bringing 20,000 Tanzanian out-of-school youth back to school. Veerayatan, a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering.

De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver and the Government of Canada’s Northwest Territories to be recognized for community-building efforts.

New York, NY; January 16, 2018 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund has announced the recipients of its 2018 ‘Diamonds Do Good’ Awards, to be presented at the D.E.F. annual gala on May 31 at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas, NV.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO of DeBeers Group will receive the Diamonds Do Good Professional Advancement Award and The government of Canada’s Northwest Territories will receive the Diamonds Do Good Responsible Government Award.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group: Diamonds Do Good Women’s Professional Advancement Award:

Named CEO of De Beers Group in July of 2016, Bruce Cleaver has committed the entire organization to the advancement of women and girls. Under his leadership, De Beers has partnered with UN Women to achieve parity in the appointment of women and men into senior leadership roles across De Beers by 2020, invest in women micro-entrepreneurs and STEM students in its diamond producing countries, and ensure De Beers’ brands are a positive force for supporting gender equality through all its marketing campaigns. In recognition of this commitment, Mr. Cleaver was named by UN Women as a ‘HeForShe’ Thematic Champion. HeForShe is the UN’s global movement for acceleration of gender equality.

Government of the Northwest Territories: Diamonds Do Good Responsible Government Award.

Located in Canada (the 3rd largest diamond producing country in the world), the Northwest Territories (NWT) is home to major diamond mines including the EKATI mine (owned by Dominion Diamond Mines, Diavik mine (joint venture between Rio Tinto and Dominion), and Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine (joint venture between De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds). The NWT government has a robust mineral development strategy that protects the environment, enhances indigenous engagement and community capacity building, promotes sustainability and leverages a local workforce; all while fostering attractive investment opportunities for the benefit of the local communities.

“The recipients of this years’ Diamonds Do Good Awards reflect the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industry around the world”, says D.E.F. president Anna Martin, also senior vice president of GIA. “Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.”

For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships for the Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, please visit diamondsdogoodawards.org

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City inspired by Nelson Mandela and founded by leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world. Its beneficiaries include: the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; The Graca Machel Mandela Foundation that supports bringing 20,000 Tanzanian out-of-school youth back to school. Veerayatan, a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering.

New York, NY; October 19, 2017 – Amid the convergence of high-level dignitaries and global leaders attending last month’s United Nations General Assembly, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) presented a check for $130,000 to the Botswana Top Achievers program at a reception hosted by the Botswana delegation. The grant will be used to continue the support of Batswana youth through access to higher education so they, in turn, can help contribute to the economic development and diversification of Botswana. D.E.F has supported the Top Achievers program with over $740,000 in donations since 2011.

The reception in D.E.F’s honor was hosted by the Botswana Ambassador to the United Nations, H.E. Charles T. Ntwaagae, and Botswana Vice-President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Mr. Masisi will become the next President of Botswana in April of 2018. Present for the reception included Botswana Ambassador to the United States, H.E. David Newman, Mrs Neo Masisi, and delegates from Botswana attending the UNGA.

“Everyone from Botswana attending this reception today in some way benefitted from diamonds. We thank the Diamond Empowerment Fund for investing in the future of our next generation of leaders” said Vice President Masisi during the check presentation ceremony.

Botswana is one of the top producers of diamonds by carat weight and value in the world. It is also a shining model of the positive impact diamonds have on communities when good governance is combined with good corporate social responsibility and best business practices in the private sector. The Top Achiever program is administered through Botswana’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

D.E.F.’s support of Botswana’s Top Achievers and other programs in diamond communities is made possible through fundraising efforts such as the annual Diamonds Do Good Awards Gala, held in June in Las Vegas in conjunction with the JCK Show. Visit diamondempowerment.org for more information.

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The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons, De Beers, and other leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. To-date D.E.F has impacted over 2,000 students through its support of education and other transformative initiatives in global diamond communities. Visit diamondsdogood.com for more inspirational stories, and follow Diamonds Do Good on Facebook, and @DiamondsDoGood on Twitter, and Instagram.

New York, NY, September 26, 2017 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) has announced a $130,000 grant to the Graça Machel Trust, the pan-African women’s and children’s rights organization founded and led by the Honorable Graça Machel, former First Lady of South Africa and of Mozambique.

The Graça Machel Trust was started in 2010 to significantly improve the lives of African women and children. In addition to running its own programs, the Trust helps strengthen networks and organizations that help women and children, and drive social and economic change across the continent. As the widow of the late South African Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel has strong roots in social justice, economic development and equal access to education for women and girls.

Says Diamond Empowerment Fund co-founder, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., “Graça is a global freedom fighter, international advocate for the rights of women and children, United Nations Icon, and one who continues to give and share her activism, leadership, genius, love, wisdom, and grace.”

“I’ve always seen myself as someone who is here to serve by working with others – never alone”, says Mrs. Machel.

The partnership comes as the Diamond Empowerment Fund gears up to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. It was at a meeting at Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel’s home in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2006 with Dr. Chavis and fellow co-founder Russell Simmons, where the idea of the Diamond Empowerment Fund was first contemplated.

Supported by the global diamond industry, empowering people from diamond communities through access to higher education has been the D.E.F. mission from the beginning. Says Anna Martin, Diamond Empowerment Fund president and senior vice-president of Gemological Institute of America (GIA), “The Graça Machel Trust is the perfect partner with which to continue our 10-year legacy of giving back to the youth from diamond communities around the world. The Trust’s work is a reminder that “Diamonds Do Good.”

Las Vegas, NV; June 6, 2017 – On the eve of the opening of the worlds largest diamond and jewelry trade show, JCK Las Vegas, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) raised over $1,060,000 to provide scholarships and assistance to empower young people globally. Anna Martin, D.E.F President and V.P Global Develompent and Beneficiation, GIA, said: “This event symbolizes the collective good the diamond and jewelry industry continues to do in communities around the world where they do business. Not enough consumers are aware of this positive fact.” http://www.diamondsdogood.com/all-stories/

Over 450 industry leaders were in attendance hailing from China, India, Russia, Botswana, South Africa, Coté D’Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, France and Belgium.

“This gala more than any event reveals the consistent passion and love of the diamond industry to help improve the quality of life of millions of people internationally,” emphasized Dr. Benjamin Chavis, co-founder of D.E.F.

Kansas City, Missouri-based Helzberg Diamonds was awarded the Diamonds Do Good Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award for their outstanding contributions in bettering communities across the United States. “We are in the business of celebrating love,” says Beryl Raff, CEO of Helzberg Diamonds. “As a business we share this love by building up communities across the nation.”

Award winning actor and global philanthropist, David Oyelowo was awarded the Diamonds Do Good International Vanguard Award for his dedication to empower communities in Africa. “Enabling girls to be educated will change the dynamics of persistent poverty in countries like Nigeria where out of a staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children, the majority are girls,’ says Oyelowo.

Graca Machel, former first Lady of Mozambique and South Africa and and the widow of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela was awarded the Diamonds Do Good Global Humanitarian Award for her international leadership to transform the lives of women and girls throughout the world. Says Machel, “I am incredibly humbled to represent the millions of minds, hearts and hands that have sown seeds over the years to empower Africa’s women and children. I graciously receive this Global Humanitarian Award from the Diamond

Empowerment Fund on behalf of those who have worked tirelessly with me to accelerate social change.”

Sadhvi Shilapiji, headmaster of Veerayatan’s colleges based in Gujarat, India also was a guest presenter who thanked D.E.F for supporting the education of the youth of India.

The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Diamond Empowerment Fund which was co-founded by Russell Simmons, visionary and business mogul, after inspiration and encouragement from Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel in their home in Mozambique.

“Without the help of the Botswana Top Achievers program and the Diamond Empowerment Fund I would not have been able to be pursuing my PH.D in geodetic science which involves using satellite positions to find gravity over the earth,” said student scolar Nlingi Habana.

Lead sponsors of the Diamonds Do Good Gala included Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, the De Beers Group of Companies, Signet Jewelers (Kays Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales Jewelers), Le Vian and Rosy Blue.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City to empower youth from diamond communities around the world through access to higher education. Its beneficiaries include: Veerayatan, based in Gujarat, India is a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering; The Botswana Top Achievers program provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; The African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa. To find out more information visit http://www.diamondempowerment.org.

‘Diamonds Do Good’ Consumer Campaign Reaches Over 3 Million Millennials

Through Targeted Media Plan and Updated Website

Seminar at JCK Will Help Retailers Convey Diamonds Do Good Message In Store

New York, NY; May 24, 2017 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s efforts to communicate a positive narrative surrounding diamonds to consumers are achieving a tremendous response, the organization announced today. Its Diamonds Do Good campaign, with a particular emphasis on the millennial consumer, is hitting outstanding metrics.

Through a targeted media plan including Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, and an online influencer strategy, the message that Diamonds Do Good is resonating with consumers. On Hulu alone, the Diamonds Do Good campaign video performed 100% better than the average campaign in number of completed views, and 300% better in number of viewers clicking to the website. Similar metrics are being tallied on the other sites.

A recent updated look to the DiamondsDoGood.com website keeps current with millennial trends and likes. New sections include celebrities who are championing the message to ‘do good,’ and a dedicated section titled ‘Neighborhood Jewelers Strengthening Community Ties’ that tells the stories of independent jewelers giving back to their own communities.

To help retailers communicate this powerful message to their existing and new customers, The Diamond Empowerment Fund will give a seminar titled “What Your Customers Want – and Need – To Know: How Diamonds Do Good’ at the JCK Show, Monday June 5 at 2 p.m. in Tradewinds C/D. A simple, but comprehensive toolkit will be discussed including tips on how to engage customers in store and online and how individual retailers can get their stories uploaded to the global DiamondsDoGood site. D.E.F. will be exhibiting at booth L11, Bayside.

For more information about Diamonds Do Good , please visit DiamondsDoGood.com or call 212.359.4219.

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About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City and co-founded by Russell Simmons, De Beers Group of Companies, and other leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower youth from diamond communities around the world through access to higher education. Its beneficiaries include: Veerayatan, based in Gujarat, India is a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering; The Botswana Top Achievers program provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; The African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa.

]]>http://www.diamondempowerment.org/2017/05/diamonds-good-consumer-campaign-reaches-3-million-millennials-targeted-media-plan-updated-website/feed/0ACCLAIMED ACTOR DAVID OYELOWO TO BE HONORED AT DIAMONDS DO GOOD AWARDS IN LAS VEGAShttp://www.diamondempowerment.org/2017/03/acclaimed-actor-david-oyelowo-honored-diamonds-good-awards-las-vegas/
http://www.diamondempowerment.org/2017/03/acclaimed-actor-david-oyelowo-honored-diamonds-good-awards-las-vegas/#respondMon, 13 Mar 2017 21:34:05 +0000http://www.diamondempowerment.org/?p=7542Actor to Receive International Vanguard Award

New York, NY; March 13, 2017 – Acclaimed actor and social justice advocate David Oyelowo, who starred in such films as Selma and A United Kingdom, will be honored by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) at its annual Diamonds Do Good Awards gala on June 4 in Las Vegas. Mr. Oyelowo, who will receive the Diamonds Do Good International Vanguard Award.

D.E.F’s International Vanguard Award reflects Mr. Oyelowo’s visionary work in the arts and in the education empowerment of vulnerable girls in Nigeria.

Born in England to Nigerian parents, Mr. Oyelowo’s acting achievements bring to the forefront the core values and integrity of leading historical personalities and stories, including Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activists in the film Selma and, most recently, Sir Seretse Khama and the people of Botswana in the film A United Kingdom. Oyelowo, himself of royal heritage, gives a strong performance in A United Kingdom, providing a unique and rare platform and substantial exposure to Botswana’s role as a leading diamond producing nation and one where the country’s natural endowment of diamonds has been used to successfully uplift the country and its people. This gives testimony of how positive social transformation and natural resources can be used for the betterment of society.

Mr. Oyelowo’s own passion for inspiring positive change and enacting social justice is represented in his work with the GEANCO Foundation and the newly created David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls. The Scholarship provides the opportunity for young girls from Nigeria to become the next leaders in their community and their country, regardless of their circumstances.

Mr. Oyelowo, now a United States citizen, lives in California with his actress wife, Jessica, and their four children.

Joining Mr. Oyelowo in receiving Diamonds Do Good awards at the gala will be Her Excellency Graça Machel, former first lady of Mozambique and South Africa (when married to then President Nelson Mandela) who will receive the Global Humanitarian Award and iconic retailer Helzberg Diamonds who will receive the Corporate Legacy of Pilanthropy Award.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City and co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world. Its beneficiaries include: the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; Veerayatan, a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering. D.E.F also supports the Diamond Development Initiative’s mobile school program in the Democratic Republic of Congo and high school scholars in Tanzania through the Flaviana Matata Foundation.

Former First Lady of both Mozambique and South Africa to Receive the Global Humanitarian Award

New York, NY; March 13, 2017 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) will honor Mrs Graça Machel with the first-ever “Diamonds Do Good” Global Humanitarian Award at D.E.F’s Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, set for June 4 at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.

Graça Machel is a renowned international advocate for women’s and children’s rights and has been a social and political activist over many decades. She served as First Lady of Mozambique when married to Samora Machel from 1975 until his death in 1986; and later was First Lady of South Africa from 1988 to 1999, when married to Nelson Mandela. Today, as the Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, her work focuses on women’s economic and financial empowerment, education, food security and nutrition, promoting democracy and good governance.

Born in Mozambique, Graça was appointed Minister for Education and Culture when she was 29 years old. Upon her retirement from the ministry, she was appointed an expert of the UN Secretary General and was responsible for producing the groundbreaking report on the protection of children in armed conflict. She has continued being a strong advocate for women’s and children’s rights and was made a British dame for her humanitarian work in 1997. Following her role as a member of the UN High-Level Panel on the post-2015 agenda, she has recently been appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate.

It was in Graça’s living room in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2006 that the inspiration for the Diamond Empowerment Fund was born. A discussion between H.E. Nelson Mandela, Graça, philanthropist and music mogul Russell Simmons, and civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Chavis, sparked the idea of establishing a global nonprofit to focus on the good that the diamond industry does throughout the world, particularly in Africa. The Diamond

Empowerment Fund grew out of that discussion, and this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The Graça Machel Trust continues her important work to multiply the faces and amplify the voices of Africa’s women and children. The Trust catalyses action, supports local initiatives, lends solidarity and offers support where it is needed and engages both publicly and behind the scenes with power brokers. The Trust has recently launched two Pan-African Initiatives: the Women Advancing Africa Forum and the Women in Media Network.

Joining Ms. Machel in receiving Diamonds Do Good awards at the gala will be acclaimed actor and social justice advocate David Oyelowo – star of the recent film A UNITED KINGDOM- who will receive the International Vanguard Award and iconic retailer Helzberg Diamonds who will receive the Corporate Legacy of Pilanthropy Award.

Retailer to Receive the Diamonds Do Good Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award

New York, NY; March 6, 2017 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) will honor iconic retailer Helzberg Diamonds with the Diamonds Do Good Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award. The retailer will be one of three honorees at D.E.F.’s Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, June 4 at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.

D.E.F’s “Diamonds Do Good” Corporate Legacy of Philanthropy Award reflects the actions taken by a corporation to better the lives of the local community while making a difference on the global stage. For over 100 years, Helzberg Diamonds has epitomized this ideal.

With roots in the Midwest, Barnett Helzberg’s good business skills and sense of community responsibility led to his growing the company even during the Great Depression, and sponsoring the ‘Helzberg Sweetheart Hour’ radio program that provided uplifting entertainment to listeners each week. He made himself and the interests of the community one and the same, providing counseling for the Girl Scouts, support for the Kansas City Zoo, and establishing the Diamond Council of America. When his son Barnett Jr. took over this tradition continued. Barnett Jr. developed the ‘I am loved’ line and button promotion while proposing to his wife Shirley. This simple, but powerful line became a hallmark campaign of goodwill sent to celebrity ‘heroes’, military men serving in the Vietnam War, children in hospitals and eventually translated into more than 11 languages.

After a chance meeting on the streets of New York City, Barnett Jr.—ready to retire in 1995—sold the company to Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffet who then hand-picked Beryl Raff to take over the leadership of Helzberg Diamonds in 2009. In 2012, Helzberg established “Helzberg Helps” to honor the company’s philanthropic traditions. The organization is made up of Helzberg Diamonds Associates with a passion to give back in their local communities. The mission is to lead fundraising efforts and organize volunteer activities primarily for charitable entities that support the benefit of children and families in need, such as Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and more. Since 2009, Helzberg’s largest charitable efforts have been in support of Make-A-Wish America, helping to grant the wishes of children throughout the country.

For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships for the Diamonds Do Good Awards gala, please visit diamondsdogoodawards.org

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About the Diamond Empowerment Fund:

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City and co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world. Its beneficiaries include: the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; Veerayatan, a model for encouraging development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity and a motivation to give back to their community. D.E.F supports students attending its colleges of Pharmacy, Business Administration and Engineering. D.E.F also supports the Diamond Development Initiative’s mobile school program in the Democratic Republic of Congo and high school scholars in Tanzania through the Flaviana Matata Foundation.

New York, NY; February 16, 2017 – At the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s annual board meeting held last month, Anna Martin was elected President of the D.E.F. Board of Directors. Martin is Senior Vice President Global Development and Beneficiation for Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Martin follows the successful five-year term of outgoing board president Phyllis Bergman. Bergman oversaw the growth of the Diamond Empowerment Fund to embrace a global mission of education empowerment for youth from diamond communities around the world. She also championed the organization’s consumer messaging strategy, ‘Diamonds Do Good’, a focus Martin will continue.

“Never has there been a more important time to communicate to the next generation of diamond purchasers the positive narrative surrounding diamonds” says Martin. “I am confident that with the depth of talent on our board from all across the diamond pipeline, and with the support of every member of the industry, we will impress on consumers that ‘Diamonds Do Good’.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund also welcomes to the board Stuart Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Signet Jewelers, Inc.. Says Lee, “I’m proud to be following in Ed’s footsteps and look forward to working with Anna and the rest of the Diamond Empowerment Fund board as we find ways to ensure the world indeed understands that ‘Diamonds Do Good’.”

The Diamond Empowerment Fund’s 2017 Diamonds Do Good Awards Gala will be held Sunday, June 4 at the Four Seasons Ballroom, Las Vegas.

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The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons, De Beers, and other leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. To-date D.E.F has impacted over 3,000 students through its support of education and other transformative initiatives in global diamond communities. Visit diamondsdogood.com for more inspirational stories, and follow Diamonds Do Good on Facebook, and @DiamondsDoGood on Twitter, and Instagram.

A major motion picture chronicling Botswana’s rise to democracy, and starring David Oyelewo and Rosamund Pike

New York, NY; January 23, 2017 – The hip downtown Roxy Hotel Cinema was the setting for The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.)’s exclusive first U.S. showing of A UNITED KINGDOM. The movie chronicles the early years of Botswana’s rise from poverty to become what is now the second largest producer of diamonds in the world. The movie, starring David Oyelewo and Rosamund Pike, will be released to the general public on February 10.

Honored guests included H.E. Mr. David John Newman, Ambassador of the Republic of Boswana to the Unied States, H.E. Mr. Charles T. Ntwaagae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Botswana and Dr. Edgar Sisa, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Botswana to the United Nations.

D.E.F Board member Marcus ter Haar, and grandson of the films’ protagonists Seretse Khama (played by David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (played by Rosamund Pike) gave a poignant introduction to the film, recounting the emotional connection he has with the film’s characters and drawing an arc of the prosperity Botswana has seen in the 50 years since the movie’s end. “Through the ethical leadership and wise management of Botswanas diamond resources by Seretse Khama and the countrys successive Presidents, our nation has thrived politically and economically as the oldest democracy in Africa, providing its citizens with broad based access to education, healthcare and world class infrastructure.

Anna Martin, newly elected president of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, urges all members of the diamond industry to see this film. “Botswana is a perfect example to share with colleagues and customers alike how much Diamonds Do Good. This positive message needs to be the cornerstone of industry communications to the public so that a more balanced narrative surrounding diamonds can prevail.”

Sponsors of the screening included Signet (Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales), GIA and Fox Searchlight Pictures. To read more stories about the good diamonds do, visit diamondsdogood.com.

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The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons, De Beers, and other leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. To-date D.E.F has impacted over 2,000 students through its support of education and other transformative initiatives in global diamond communities. Visit diamondsdogood.com for more inspirational stories, and follow Diamonds Do Good on Facebook, and @DiamondsDoGood on Twitter, and Instagram.

New York, NY; October 24, 2016 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) welcomes Marcus ter Haar, Deputy Managing Director of the Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) based in Botswana, to its global board of directors effective October 1. A seasoned executive of the diamond industry, ter Haar brings to the board 12 years of diverse experience including senior positions at De Beers London, Debswana, and DTC Botswana prior to his current role.

Ter Haar hails from Botswana, the largest producer of gem quality diamonds in the world, and which has recently celebrated 50 years of Independence, peaceful democracy and prosperity. Marcus has always blended his business responsibilities with the importance of giving back and supporting local communities.

For a number of years he has served on the board of Lady Khama Charitable Trust – an organization founded to continue the legacy of his grandmother Lady Khama, which focuses on providing support to vulnerable women and children. At the recent screening in Botswana of the new film A United Kingdom (the U.S. release of the film is slated for February 2017) starring David Oyelowo as Seretse Khama ( first President of Botswana) and Rosamund Pike as Lady Khama, all proceeds went to the beneficiaries of the Trust.

Through a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative funded by the ODC, ter Haar has helped launch an entrepreneurship program targeting the youth across Botswana. Ter Haar also serves as Director on the Board of Wilderness Holdings an African Conservation business.

As D.E.F. board president Phyllis Bergman says “Marcus is a fabulous addition to our global board of directors. He truly epitomizes how ‘Diamonds Do Good”. Replies ter Haar “I’m thrilled to be working with the Diamond Empowerment Fund and to help consolidate and grow its mission. Never has there been a more important time for our industry to re-enforce the message to consumers, especially the millennial consumer, that Diamonds Do Good”.

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The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons, De Beers, and other leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. To-date D.E.F has impacted over 2,000 students through its support of education and other transformative initiatives in global diamond communities. Visit diamondsdogood.com for more inspirational stories, and follow Diamonds Do Good on Facebook, and @DiamondsDoGood on Twitter, and Instagram.